Apple Fixes iMessage Bug in Latest iOS Update
▼ Summary
– iOS 26 has caused iMessage activation issues for some users with inactive SIMs sharing the same number as their active SIM.
– Affected users may experience iMessage failures, green bubbles for SMS/RCS, or messages sent via email instead of phone number.
– The problem can result in the same phone number appearing twice in the Messages settings under Send & Receive.
– Apple attributes the issue to users having an active eSIM with the same number as their active SIM.
– To resolve it, users should remove the inactive SIM or eSIM in Cellular settings and then reactivate iMessage in Messages settings.
Apple has released an important fix for an iMessage activation issue affecting some iPhone users following the recent iOS 26 update. The company published a support document outlining the problem and providing clear steps to resolve it, ensuring users can restore full messaging functionality.
According to Apple, the trouble occurs when a device contains both an active SIM and an inactive SIM sharing the same phone number after the iOS 26 installation. This conflict prevents iMessage from activating properly with the user’s phone number.
People experiencing this glitch may notice several symptoms. iMessages may fail to send, accompanied by a “Not Delivered” notification. Instead of blue bubbles, conversations might appear in green, indicating messages are being sent as standard SMS or RCS. In some cases, messages are sent from an associated email address rather than the phone number. Another sign is seeing the same phone number listed twice within the Send & Receive settings for Messages.
The solution involves removing the duplicate, inactive SIM from the device. Users should open the Settings app and select Cellular. If two entries for the same number appear, they need to identify and remove the one that is no longer in use. For a physical SIM card, this means ejecting it from the tray. If it’s an inactive eSIM, they should tap “Delete eSIM.” Once the inactive SIM is removed, returning to the Messages settings and tapping the phone number should successfully activate iMessage.
Have you encountered this iMessage problem since updating to iOS 26? Did following Apple’s guidance resolve the issue for you? Share your experience in the comments below.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
